SUPERVISOR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
5/2/2008
Oregon State University
Environmental Health & Safety
Table of Contents
Accident Reporting & Investigation
Asbestos
Chemical Safety - Hazard Communications
Compressed Gas Safety
Confined Space Program
Electrical Safety
Elevated Work Surfaces/Fall Protection
Hand and Power Tool Safety
Hearing Conservation
Ladder Safety
Lead
Lockout of Hazardous Energy (Lockout – Tagout)
Machine Safety
Personal Protective Equipment
Pesticide Use and Safety
Safety and Health Training
Safety Inspections
Trenching and Excavation
1
Accident Reporting & Investigation
Scope
This section applies when there has been a workplace accident. Accidental Injury or Occupational Illness Reports are completed for all occupational illnesses and any accidents involving OSU employees, students, and visitors.
Purpose
Supervisors are to report, evaluate, and when necessary investigate all work-related accidents. The reporting and investigation of accidents is required by state regulations and is an essential part of the University's accident prevention program. The goal of an investigation is to identify the factors contributing to the accident and implement corrective action.
Supervisors Responsibilities
Accident Reporting: Supervisors are to follow directions in completing a Report of Accident/Illness Form: .
If an employee sought medical attention from a professional (doctor, nurse, urgent care, or other medical facility) then a SAIF 801 form must be completed within 24 hours of the treatment. If the employee is unavailable to complete the form, the supervisor is responsible for completing the employer section and as much as possible of the worker section of the form and submitting it by fax the Office of Human Resources within 24 hours.
Accident Investigation (when necessary): Supervisors conduct an investigation and complete a Supervisor's Accident Investigation Report for all injury related accidents.
Accidents resulting in death, serious injury (e.g., fracture, amputation) or in-patient hospitalization are to be immediately reported to Environmental Health & Safety (7-2273).
Training Requirements
Supervisors are to train new employees to report all accidents during new employee safety orientation.
Recordkeeping Requirements
- Incident Report form
- Supervisor's Accident Investigation Report
- Safety Orientation Checklist (a copy of this checklist follows the "New Employee Orientation”)
Resources
Contact EH&S (7-2273) for assistance.
Asbestos
Scope
This section applies to employees who do construction, maintenance and custodial work. It also applies to employees who might disturb or damage possible asbestos containing materials.
Purpose
OSU’s asbestos program is designed to prevent accidental exposures to asbestos and to ensure that asbestos is handled according to state and federal regulations.
Supervisors Responsibilities
Supervisors need to inform employees of possible asbestos containing materials and hazards that they may encounter during the course of their job. Possible asbestos materials include pipe insulation, boiler insulation, duct insulation, floor tiles, linoleum, ceiling tiles, fireproofing, popcorn ceilings, roofing, lab countertops, fume hoods, sheetrock, mastic, putty, etc. Please contact the asbestos coordinator at EHS (7-7651) to have materials sampled to determine if they are asbestos.
Supervisors need to ensure that their employees do not disturb, remove or damage possible asbestos containing materials. Asbestos exposure could occur while moving suspended ceiling tiles, buffing floor tiles, renovating part of a building. If you are unsure if a material contains asbestos or of proper work procedures, please contact Environmental Health and Safety.
Training Requirements
All employees who might accidentally disturb scrape or otherwise damage any possible asbestos containing building material need to have annual asbestos awareness training. Training is conducted through Environmental Health and Safety. Call EH&S to register or inquire about the next available class.
Employees who engage in asbestos removal or inspection require additional certification and training through Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Asbestos removal workers and inspectors also have requirements under the Respiratory Protection and Medical Surveillance Programs.
Recordkeeping Requirements
- Documentation of annual asbestos training.
- Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
- Records should be kept for length of employment plus 30 years.
Resources
Safety instruction on Asbestos Program: .
Awareness training available through EH&S, 7-2273.
Chemical Safety - Hazard Communications
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors with employees using hazardous chemicals in a non-laboratory workplace. A chemical is considered hazardous if it can cause injury or illness. To determine if a chemical is hazardous, refer to the label, material safety data sheet or contact Environmental Health & Safety. Employees working in laboratories should refer to their Laboratory Safety Manual for chemical safety information.
Purpose
To implement a written program to communicate information on how to use chemicals safely.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure that chemicals are used safely by implementing and following the OSU Hazard Communication Program: The program describes at a minimum the supervisor is responsible for:
- Maintaining an inventory of all chemicals in the workplace;
- Ensuring that all chemical containers are labeled with a minimum of the product identity and associated hazards.
- Ensuring a material safety data sheet for each chemical is accessible to employees.
- Employee training.
Training Requirements
Supervisors should ensure employees using chemicals receive information and training on the following:
- The requirements of the hazard communication standard.
- The location of the OSU written program, material safety data sheets and chemical list.
- The location of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
- How to read and understand chemical container labels and material safety data sheets.
- The hazards of chemicals in the workplace including symptoms and effects of overexposure.
- How detect hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
- The methods (i.e., personal protective equipment, ventilation, etc.) the department has implemented to control chemical exposures.
Recordkeeping Requirements
The written program, chemical lists and material safety data sheets should be maintained in a location known and accessible to affected employees.
Employee training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
- EH&S provides assistance in inventorying chemicals.
- EH&S can provide training.
- Call EH&S at 7-2273 to obtain material safety data sheets or go to the following web location: .
Compressed Gas Safety
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees who use, store, or transport compressed gas cylinders.
Purpose
These requirements are designed to prevent accidental illness, injury or death resulting from hazards associated with the use and storage of compressed gas cylinders.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure employees safely handle and store compressed gas cylinders. Hazards of compressed gas cylinders include explosion, release of toxic gases, oxygen deficiency due to oxygen displacement by the release of non-toxic gases, and physical injuries as the result of a falling cylinder or damage to the cylinder, causing it to become a dangerous projectile.
The supervisor must ensure the following:
- All compressed gas cylinders must be secured in an upright position by an approved method that will prevent the cylinder from falls or knock overs
- All cylinders need to be clearly labeled to identify the contents
- Compressed gases are to be used and stored in areas with adequate ventilation and away from heat and flames
- Valve protection caps are required to be on cylinders that are not in use
- Manual transportation of cylinders must be done with a cylinder cart or hand truck, and the cylinders must be secured during transportation
- The cylinders should be inspected often for defects or leakage
- Empty cylinders should be segregated and marked "EMPTY" or "MT"
Training Requirements
The supervisor should discuss the hazards, first-aid requirements, and safety precautions of compressed gas cylinders with personnel who work with the cylinders.
Recordkeeping Requirements
- Applicable MSDS's must be available
- All gases used in the cylinders should be included in the work area's chemical inventory
- Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
- Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
- Safety Instruction – Gas Cylinder Safety: .
Confined Space Program
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees who may enter confined spaces to perform maintenance and service activities.
Purpose
To implement the OSU Confined Space Program: and to prevent employee exposure to dangerous air contamination and/or oxygen deficiency within confined spaces such as tanks, ducts, sewers, boilers, vats, vessels, vaults, bins, pits, compartments, and pipelines.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
- Ensure that all employees have received annual confined space awareness training.
- Ensure that proper entry procedures are followed and that personnel understand and comply with safety requirements
- Report to EH&S the existence of locations in their work space that may be considered a confined space so they can be evaluated and labeled if required.
- ensure that all employees who may enter a confined space have Confined Space Awareness training
Training
- Supervisors ensure that all employees who enter permit required confined spaces have appropriate training to fulfill the employees assigned role in a confined space entry (entry supervisor, entrant, or attendant).
Recordkeeping Requirements
- Employee training is documented by recording the training subject, employees' name and the date(s) of training.
- Training Records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
- Awareness training is available through EH&S, 7-2273.
- Permit Required Confined Space training can be arranged by EH&S, 7-2273
- A list of the Confined Spaces on campus and the entry permit forms can be found at this location: .
Electrical Safety
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who are in charge of employees that work with or around electrical equipment.
Purpose
The purpose of electrical equipment safety is to prevent injuries and accidents from electrical shock.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure that all electrical equipment is maintained in safe condition and has the proper safeguards and warning signs. Supervisors must also ensure that employees who perform electrical work wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow appropriate safety procedures including Lockout-Tagout procedures.
Training Requirements
Employees who face higher than normal risks of electrical accidents are to be trained in the following: the proper safety procedures for the tasks they perform, equipment inspection criteria, and the use of appropriate PPE (see the "Personal Protective Equipment" section of this manual). Employees who do not work in an occupation at higher than normal risks for electrical accidents should be made aware of general electrical safety such as keeping electrical equipment dry and ensuring that electrical cords and plugs are in good repair.
Recordkeeping Requirements
- Training records are to be maintained in employees' personnel files.
Resources
Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
Elevated Work Surfaces/Fall Protection
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who are in charge of employees that work in areas where fall hazards exist.
Purpose
The purpose of fall prevention is to prevent injuries and deaths from falls.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are responsible for implementing the safety instruction for working on Elevated Work Surfaces: . This consists of guidelines for:
- Working on unprotected surfaces more than 6 feet above a lower level
- Ladder use
- Portable stepladder use
- Portable rung ladder use
- Aerial lifts
Supervisors must also ensure proper routine and preventive maintenance is properly performed on all fall prevention equipment or access equipment. This equipment must also be inspected prior to each use to ensure it is in proper working order.
Training Requirements
Employees are to be trained in the items included in the fall prevention work plan.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in employees' personnel files.
Resources
PowerPoint presentation on ladder safety:
Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
Hand and Power Tool Safety
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who are in charge of employees that work with or around hand and power tools.
Purpose
The purpose of hand and power tool safety is to protect employees' health and to prevent injuries and accidents.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure that all tools are maintained in safe condition and have appropriate guarding. Supervisors must also ensure that employees wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE)*, that tools are stored safely, manufacturer's instructions are followed, and proper routine and preventive maintenance is performed.
Training Requirements
Employees are to be trained in the following:
- the proper operating procedures in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
- appropriate steps for removing malfunctioning equipment from service
tool inspection criteria - the use of appropriate PPE
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in employees' personnel files
Resources
Training materials are available through EH&S (7-2273).
Hearing Conservation
Scope
This section applies to all supervisors who have employees that are exposed to loud noise on the job.
Purpose
Employees exposed to excessive noise levels (85 dBA for an eight hour average) are to be provided with training, hearing protection and annual hearing tests.
Annual hearing tests are scheduled through Occupational Medicine Group at Student Health Services. The employing department is responsible for the cost of the hearing test.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
- Initial hearing test for ALL employees exposed at any time to sound levels >85 dBA
- Monitor and ensure the wearing of hearing protection in all posted areas.
- Request a noise survey if the employees work area is sufficiently loud that they must raise their voice to be heard two feet away
- Wear and maintain hearing protection in all posted areas.
- Check the fit and condition of hearing protection and ensure replacement when necessary.
- Ensure workers attend safety meetings/talks on hearing protection.
- Ensure workers attend annual audiometric tests.
- Notify EH&S if any additional high noise areas are suspected.
- Contact EH&S if new procedures are implemented which may affect noise levels.
Training Requirements
Hearing protection training is offered annually through EH&S.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Audiometric program records are maintained in the employee’s personnel file and will be provided to employees upon request. Records applicable to employee monitoring and exposure records will be retained as follows:
- Employee audiometric test records (baseline and annual audiogram, retests, test room background levels, and audiometer calibration records) are maintained for the duration of affected employees employment plus 30 years.
- Noise exposure measurement records are maintained for 30 years.
- Program audit records will be maintained for 3 years.
Resources
- Safety Instruction: .
- Contact EH&S for Assistance 7-2273.
Ladder Safety
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees using portable ladders.
Purpose
To ensure the appropriate ladders are available for elevated work and employees are trained on ladder safety.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors are to ensure ladders appropriate for the work to be performed are available. When selecting a ladder the supervisor needs to consider the following:
- What type of work is to be performed?
- Is a step or an extension ladder appropriate?
- Are there potential hazards (electrical lines, poor footing)?
- What is the working height?
- What are the potential obstacles (pipes, furniture, and equipment)?
- What is the total weight the ladder can support?
Ladders greater than 25 feet high require additional safety considerations. Contact EH&S for more information. Supervisors are to ensure ladders are periodically inspected for obvious defects. Deficient ladders should be tagged and removed from service and repaired, or destroyed.
Training Requirements
Supervisors are to ensure that employees are instructed to use ladders in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
- Safety Instruction: Ladder Safety:
- PowerPoint presentation on ladder safety:
- Contact EH&S for assistance 7-2273.
Lead
Scope
This section affects all employees that do maintenance and construction work on lead containing materials.
Purpose
To implement a lead in the workplace program that is designed to minimize employee lead exposure and to reduce environmental contamination by lead.
Supervisor's Responsibilities
Supervisors need to ensure that employees are properly protected when engaging in "trigger tasks" on lead materials. Trigger tasks are basically any project that might create a lead dust or fume. Trigger tasks include scraping, demolishing, sanding, grinding, welding, torch cutting, and abrasive blasting on lead containing materials.
Contact EH&S for monitoring, personal protective equipment, environmental and training requirements.
Training Requirements
EH&S provides awareness level lead training. Employees should have training annually. Please contact EH&S for training dates.
Recordkeeping Requirements
Training records are to be maintained in the employees personnel file.
Resources
Safety Instruction: Lead-Based Paint Removal: .
Lockout of Hazardous Energy (Lockout – Tagout)
Scope
This section applies to supervisors with employees who perform equipment/machine maintenance and service activities such as installation, set-up, adjustments, lubrication, cleaning, un-jamming and repairs.
Purpose
To implement the OSU Energy Control Program to prevent the unexpected energization, start-up or release of stored energy during the performance of maintenance and service activities. A lockout program is needed when employees are required to remove or bypass guards or other safety devices or place their bodies into an area on a machine or equipment where work is performed.
NOTE: Machines and equipment powered by a cord and plug inserted into an electrical outlet receptacle are to be disconnected from the receptacle during maintenance and service activities. The plug is to be under the control of the person performing the maintenance or service. Maintenance or service activities under these conditions do not have to be included in a written program.